740.00119 Council/2–2748: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Deputy for Austria at the Council of Foreign Ministers ( Reber ), at London

top secret   us urgent

746. Ausdel 1. For Reber. Army desires JCS to assess from military standpoint desirability of Austrian treaty which would entail US troop withdrawal (DelSec 15881). Reply expected 3 or 4 days.

Since discussions likely to be protracted Dept favors continuation of negotiations in meantime but on basis of US bargaining position greatly hardened by Czech example. All factors will have to be weighed from standpoint safeguarding Austrian political and economic independence, which will necessitate taking strictest stand on issues involving any form of extraterritorial privilege. Keeping in mind that US still retains rights to German assets, Dept believes line taken should aim at most nearly equitable treatment of all foreign holdings in Austria. In general we are disinclined to consider concessions beyond French proposal. From Vienna telegrams you will note evolution certain sections Austrian opinion caused by Zecho developments. You will be informed further.

Marshall
  1. Ante, p. 1468.